THE Conference at Vergennes, was held June 11th and 12th. About fifteen brethren and sisters came from Grand Rapids, and a number from North Plains and Ionia. The congregation was large. The word was spoken with freedom, and some decided to keep the Lord's Sabbath.
But we did not see as much good accomplished at this meeting as we hoped to see, or as we saw in other places. A miserable influence had been exerted in the community by the disgraceful proceedings of one Mrs. Alcott and an Elder Nathaniel Pease. We are informed that Mr. Pease came from Massachusetts about one year since. This Mrs. Alcott has been a noted fanatic for some years. A brother from Grand Rapids, stated that Mr. Pease was not the first man that she had deceived. The poor man was really an object of pity. He seemed perfectly under the control of this wicked woman, who evidently was as full of spiritual magnetism—or the spirit of the Devil—as ever good old Stephen was of faith, and the Holy Ghost. We came out in plain terms against their course, and warned the congregation to beware of them, while pursuing the course that they were then taking. The friends of the present truth then voted to withdraw all fellowship from them.
Then they began to plead "charity." We were at once charged with a lack of this excellent grace. It was stated that we were commanded to love our enemies, &c. This they said we had not done, but had been harsh and denunciatory. Mr. Pease grew quite earnest on this point. He broke in upon us in a disorderly manner, and would speak, although requested not to. He became very earnest. But what was the matter? Why, we had not been meek, kind and charitable. So on he went, vehemently denouncing us because, as he thought, we had been denunciatory, and finally called us all a set of "black-hearted hypocrites!" Here we were reminded of a jealous advocate of peace. Peace he would have, if he had to fight for it.
Our beloved brother Cornell, gave a course of lectures at Vergennes some months since, which had a good effect, and the prospect was fair that quite a church of Sabbath-keepers would soon be raised up in that place. But unfortunately for the cause, Mr. Pease professed faith in the Sabbath, and advocated it, while pursuing a course perfectly calculated to bring disgrace on any cause with which he might be connected. This had disgusted many, and kept them from the truth. All hands were wrecked; but a few were endeavoring to struggle on. We hope they will not hesitate to have no fellowship for the unfruitful works of darkness; but rather reprove them.
The beloved disciple, who, in his epistles, dwells much upon love, has said, "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed; for he that biddeth him God speed, is partaker of his evil deeds." Whatever church or individuals, shall welcome the enemies of gospel order and bible holiness to their tables, will call down on themselves the frown of God, and inflict a wound on the precious, bleeding cause of Christ. But, says one, did not the Saviour teach that we should feed our enemies? We reply, that he never taught that we should receive into our houses the enemies of God and man, and feed and clothe them as we should the humble servants of God. "If thine enemy hunger, feed him." And no less than this would we do to the hungry, famishing beast of no value to us. The noble soul of the real Christian is happy to relieve from distress, either man or beast. But it is no virtue in us to harbor and feed persons whose very presence brings darkness and death to our own souls, and whose daily walk is wounding the precious cause which is dearer to us than life itself. They have no just claim to the fellowship and sympathy of the consistent christian, and should not be welcomed over the threshold of his door, after knowing their real character.
We are confident that the cause in Vergennes will rise, if its friends persevere. We hope they will not be discouraged, if it takes some time to talk down, and live down, the bad influence exerted by the two individuals above mentioned. We sympathise with them in their discouragements, and would say to our traveling brethren in Michigan, do not forget the dear brethren in Vergennes, North Plains, Ionia and Grand Rapids. They should all be visited as often as once in four weeks, and should hear the pure word of the Lord from the lips of some one of God's chosen ministers.
There were two incidents connected with our journey to Vergennes, that we will here mention. While on our way to the place, we called at a neat looking log house to get some refreshments. The lady of the house seemed very kind. Soon it was known that we were holding meetings, and she urged us to have some in her neighborhood. We informed her of our appointments, and that we could not, possibly. She began to speak freely of her exercises of mind, and of the state of the professed people of God. And as the Sabbath, the Second Advent, and the state of the world and church, were spoken of by one of our company, she wept freely. She said she had been to witness the spiritual manifestations, but could not believe in them; for she could not give up her Bible. We left a few tracts, and as soon as our horses were partially rested, we were obliged to pursue our journey; for we had quite a distance to travel that day, and the Sabbath was drawing on. But as we journeyed and reflected, our feelings were indescribable. The stranger that had kindly entertained us, was a sample of thousands, especially in a new country, who are starving for spiritual food, and whose minds the Spirit of God is opening for the reception of the present truth. But, O, the dreadful thought! These poor souls have not on the whole armor of truth, and are daily exposed to the damning influence of what is called "Spiritualism." [Spirit manifestations.] When once immersed into that heresy, they are beyond the reach of truth. These persons, not knowing their danger, like the innocent bird, are in danger of being decoyed into the fatal snare that will hold them fast forever.
Michigan is dreadfully cursed with spiritualism. The "spirits of Devils working miracles," have penetrated even the most wilderness portions of the State. This is so, more or less, in the other States. And while precious souls are in danger of being deceived by them, and having the fetters of hell fastened on them forever, those who see their danger, cannot help feeling deeply their exposed condition. O, God, have mercy! O, Christ, pity! Lord of the harvest, raise up and qualify laborers to enter the already white fields! May God raise up friends of the cause of truth, who shall, through the Press and living Preacher, send the truth, and the warning to these perishing souls, ere Satan and his legions blind them with the last great deceivableness of unrighteousness, that is to shut up its thousands in darkness until the day of the Lord come upon them as a thief.
The other incident was on our return from Vergennes to Jackson. In the heat of the day, we called at a house to rest and sleep, as we had journeyed in the night when it was cool, to favor the horse. And while being refreshed with sleep, Bro. A. A. Dodge, who kindly took us from place to place, entered into religious conversation with the lady of the house. She freely spoke out her views of the condition of the nominal church, and stated that she and her daughter, who was from home school-teaching, had sent in their request to be dismissed from the church to which they belonged. She stated that her husband (then from home) was a professor of religion, but was not connected with any church. That he believed that he could live a christian, and go to heaven, better out of the church than in it. This was also the opinion of herself and daughter.
This lady then asked Bro. Dodge what scripture authority he had for observing the first day of the week as the Sabbath. The reply was, "I will tell you before we leave." It seemed quite remarkable that she should ask him such a question, when she had not the least intimation that we were Sabbath-keepers. Before we left, our views of the Sabbath, Second Advent, &c., were made known in a brief manner. We proposed a season of prayer, which seemed very desirable on the part of the lady, and as we bowed, we were highly gratified to see her children bow down also. By this time it seemed hard to part; but duty urged us on our journey. Here we left a few tracts, and our kind friend weeping. May God bless that dear family.
June 18th and 19th, we held meetings with the brethren in the vicinity of Franciscoville, who met at C. S. Glover's barn, in Sylvan. This was the largest and much the best meeting we held in the State. Several brethren came in from a distance. On the Sabbath the congregation was large. The subject in the forenoon, was the commandments and law of God; in the afternoon it was the Sabbath.
A prayer-meeting was appointed for First-day morning at nine o'clock, and at the hour more than three hundred people were assembled. Two or three prayers were offered, then the time was occupied by different brethren, who spoke to the point, with freedom and power, till half past ten, when we took the stand and spoke nearly two hours on the first and second angel's messages of Rev. xiv, 6-8. It was thought that there were four hundred people present. We never had a better hearing. In the afternoon we spoke about two hours on the third message of verses 9-12, and at the close of our remarks we felt this solemn subject, and the condition of the congregation, as we hardly ever felt before. This message lays open the close of probation. Christ no longer a priest, but on the great white cloud, while the vials of God's wrath in justice are being poured out on those who reject the commandments of God. O, solemn thought! This, the last merciful message ever to be heard by a lost world; and yet the multitude refuse to listen to, and obey the sweet voice of mercy now calling for the last time on the unprepared to get ready for the scenes of the day of wrath.
But, thank God, a few have ears to hear, and hearts that can feel the power of divine truth. And from the strict attention paid to the word spoken, and the falling tear, we judge that many at the meeting at Sylvan had convictions that they were hearing the29truth. And we expect that those convictions will never wear away, but that they will take their stand with the band of commandment-keepers.
At the close of our discourse in the afternoon, Bro. Nottingham, who preaches to the Advent people in that vicinity, came out decidedly on the present truth. Bro. Francis Bezzo, another Advent preacher, who heard the four lectures we gave at the meeting, stated that he was satisfied that we had the truth on the Sabbath, but should have to examine the Sanctuary question more before deciding upon it. We also had the pleasure of baptizing six dear brethren and sisters, in the small lake near by.
Bro. J. B. Frisbie seemed to have the armor on at this meeting. He spoke freely of his former prejudices and opposition to the Sabbath and Sabbath-keepers, the change that had taken place in his feelings and views, and that he was now with us in sentiment and in sympathy. We first saw this dear brother at the Jackson Conference, and when introduced to him, and there shook the friendly hand of him who had so strongly opposed us through the Harbinger, but now was greatly humbled under a sense of his past wrongs, that he had opposed the truth and people of God, our feelings could not be easily described. We wept aloud. We both wept, and there mingled our tears of gratitude and joy. The acquaintance formed with Bro. Frisbie, was indeed happy. We trust that by the help of God he will prove a blessing to the cause in the West.
The good cause in Michigan is indeed onward. The Lord is raising up ministers to preach the word to the people, men of good judgment and ability, men who know also where the humble path to heaven lies. May God bless their labors. Bro. S. T. Cranston is giving himself wholly to the work. And we hope that other preaching brethren, seeing that the time has come for the last merciful message to be given, will be ready to move out as the Lord may direct, and open the way before them. There is enough to do in the West. The people almost every where are ready to hear. In many places they are calling and calling for help, for some one to preach to them. May God help his servants to throw themselves on his almighty arm, and go forth with the humble, weeping spirit of their Master, that they may return with joy, bringing their sheaves with them.
Much prejudice has been created in Michigan, that might have been prevented, if some of those who first preached the truth there had used more wisdom. The enemies of truth have held the failings of the brethren in the worst light possible. But the labors of Bro. Joseph Bates, in that State, about one year since, and the consistent, persevering course of Bro. M. E. Cornell since that time, has done much to remove cruel prejudice against us. In many places it is completely broken down.
And there is another thing that has served greatly to advance the cause of truth in Michigan. The bitter opposition of the Harbinger, its course pursued towards Brn. Bates, Cornell and others, have opened the eyes of many. The position of Elder Seymour has been, as we were informed, that every man that kept the seventh day would go to hell, and that he would fight the Sabbath as long as God would give him breath. This could not be otherwise than very unfavorable to the no-Sabbath cause. And let it here be remembered that he has entered many complaints against Sabbath-keepers, because they had no little charity, and possessed such a war spirit. His case also, may be well illustrated by the Peace Man, referred to in this article.
The kind attention that we received from the dear friends in Michigan, was more than we deserved. They did all in their power to make us comfortable and happy. And, although we refused to receive from the hands of a few free-hearted brethren, quite liberal sums, yet the expenses of the journey were more than met by the small sums from the hands of the brethren and sisters and the dear children. May God still bless those dear brethren in all their future efforts to advance his cause, and raise up many more through their instrumentality to glorify his name in keeping his commandments and the faith of his Son, Jesus Christ, and finally may we all meet in the kingdom of God.
Letter from Bro. J. B. Frisbie.
By J. B. Frisbie
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I cannot withhold my feelings any longer, but must let it be known that I have embraced the so much despised message of the third angel of Rev. xiv. Through much prejudice I had become bitter in opposition, until I closely searched the scriptures for arguments against the seventh-day Sabbath. Then on review of what I and others had been about, I perceived that we had all failed on the very important point, of proving or showing fairly that the ten commandments, entire, or in part, had been abolished. And the fact that those commandments were referred to all through the New Testament, as binding on both Jews and Gentiles, without any re-enactment, made our error appear still worse.
The puny objections that I had relied on so much, were all removed out of my mind, "abolished," "dead," and "taken out of the way;" therefore I was left with nothing but keen conviction resting heavily upon my conscience, of being a transgressor of God's holy, just and righteous law. When I saw this, oh! how I felt! I was a condemned sinner, exposed to the wrath of God. Then I was humbled under the hand of God, and had a view of myself—my blindness, my nakedness, my poverty, my luke-warmness, my lack of zeal. I had thought myself very good before; for I had not seen anything in particular that I had done amiss: but then I saw that God could not look upon sin with the least degree of allowance, and that none but the pure in heart shall see God; and if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord. That we must be holy in our conversation; for in the great day of wrath, who shall be able to stand? None but the pure in heart. I saw there was but one way to get into the light and liberty, and that was, keep the Sabbath, that I had so much despised. Thought I, is this the only way? Yes, the only way! About it I went; and such a trial of my faith, for weeks, none can know but him who has fought the truth, and then turned and embraced it. I prayed, I mourned, and sometimes almost gave up in despair; for the temptation was strong upon me, that I had sinned beyond mercy. As soon as I would stop praying, my mind would become more easy; then I would become alarmed about myself, begin to pray again, and that temptation would roll on again, to almost crush me. I thought then if God would give me the witness of his Spirit once more, I would be the happiest man in the world, and would be very cautious, how I opposed anything again, before I looked carefully on both sides of the matter. I believe we cannot be too particular in this respect.
Dear Brethren, God has broken my hard heart and melted it down by his Spirit. He has made me to love those whom he loves and blesses. I feel not to fret myself because of evil doers, neither be envious against sinners; for they soon shall be cut down like the grass; [Ps. xxxvii., 1, 2;] but oh, how I feel for those that oppose the truth, against themselves, and I am determined to try in meekness, to instruct them, if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 2 Tim. ii, 25, 26.
Last Sabbath and First-day, I had a message upon my mind to deliver on the certainty of the ending of the 2300 days in 1844, in connection with the third angel's message, which shows the importance of the commandments being kept with the faith of Jesus. It is strange to me that any one who believed in time then, does not, at once, see the present truth. I was led to see that the heavens must receive Jesus until the restitution of all things, to their primitive order, which is now being done for the remnant who keep the commandments, [Rev. xii, 17,] in order that they may stand, with a rational faith, through the time of trouble. The Lord blessed me abundantly by the power of his Spirit, to give strength and liberty, which nothing else but his Spirit can give.
Bro. Nottingham has come out strong and preached last First-day, in favor of the Sabbath. Bro. Francis Bezzo has, also, taken a strong stand with us. Others are coming out and investigating. The Devil is mad, I know, because he manifests it through our opposers.
I am a happy man. Glory be to the Lord, Most High! through Jesus Christ our advocate in the most holy place, before the Ark and Throne of his Father, which is in heaven. I shall feel it a privilege to write considerable through the Review, and am in hopes it will soon be weekly.
I am aware that some will be astonished at my change of views, and perhaps will be ready to cast a stone, or a reproach, at me for this. Here I will say, he that is in the Advent ranks, and is without sin on this point, "let him cast the first stone." We have always endeavored to write freely, and speak freely, whatever we at the time believed to be truth. When we see good reason to change we shall always feel free to do no less so.
Yours in the whole truth.
J. B. FRISBIE.
Chelsea, Mich., June 28th, 1853.
J. B. BEZZO
By J. B. Bezzo
From Bro. Bezzo.
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—The cause is still progressing here. Since you left, Bro. Alex. Campbell, and my own dear brother, F. Bezzo, have come out and professed their determination to keep the Sabbath of the Lord; and there is still a lively interest manifested on the part of several, who beforetime appeared to be careless and indifferent about the subject of religion. Again, there are some who, I think, see the truth, and would embrace it, were it only popular; but for such I have no sympathy; may the Lord show them their true position.
Our dear Brn. Frisbie and Nottingham are really in the work. The Lord bless them! I feel that I have great reason to rejoice in the case of my brother before mentioned who, just previous to your coming to this place, had arrived from Canada, almost poisoned to death by reading the Advent Harbinger. So full of prejudice was he, that it was difficult getting him to hear a word that Bro. White had written, or even to attend our prayer meeting, where his feelings finally compelled him to arise and confess that he believed the Spirit of the Lord was with the brethren, whether they had the truth or not; but when he came to hear the truth presented by you, and heard all the objections made by the Harbinger, fairly stated, and clearly removed, his prejudice had to give way, and he now rejoices that he has been permitted to hear the third angel's message. Praise the Lord! So you see here are three brethren, viz: J. B. Frisbie, Bro. Nottingham, and F. Bezzo, whom the Lord has called from the no-Sabbath ranks, who are capable through his grace, of proclaiming the present truth; may God bless them, and send them forth to labor in his harvest; for "truly the harvest is great, but the laborers are few."
J. B. BEZZO
Franciscoville, Mich., June 29th, 1853.
A Weekly Paper.
By R. F. Cottrell
MANY of the readers of the Review are desirous of having it issued weekly. The brethren should bear in mind that money is not the only thing necessary to attain this object. Those who can write should furnish matter. For my part I would rather receive the paper once in two weeks, and have it come richly laden with present truth, than to have it weekly, but filled up with selections of every sort, so as to form a perfect Babel. When I read a religious paper, I do not wish to spend half my time in selecting something that treats of the subject of religion.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Probation after the Second Advent.
By E. R. Seaman
THE doctrine, as taught by a portion of professed Adventists, that there is to be a glorious period of probation after the personal coming of the Saviour, appears to conflict very much with the plain teachings of Christ, and the apostles. It is evidently another gospel beside that which they preached, or were commanded to preach; for the disciples never received a commission to preach baptism, repentance, or glad tidings in a future age. Neither has any one, unless the words of Jesus, which are recorded in the last chapter of Matthew and Mark, have been changed.—This no one will dare to assert. The language of this commission is plain and pointed, and affords abundant proof for every honest inquirer after truth, of its object, and length of duration. Then come to the fountain and hear that Prophet whom we are now commanded to hear, or we shall be destroyed from among the people. He spake as never man spake. Hear ye him: "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel (glad tidings of the kingdom to come) to every creature, and lo I am with you (while the gospel is being preached) always even to the end of the world," (or age, or dispensation, as all Greek scholars admit the word, world, to signify, which world, or age, or dispensation ends at the coming of the Just One; when will open the millennial age or new dispensation, or world to come.) Then the understanding of the commission is clear. Its length is limited, when Christ will no more be with those that preach this gospel, in the sense referred to. And it is nowhere said, lo I am with you one thousand years after this world shall end, as it should to sustain the Future-Age Theory. This commission, as given by our Lord, is not to be thus wrested from its true meaning, given as it was under such solemn circumstances, just prior to the ascension. It should be considered equally binding upon all God's ministers. The time of its close is specified in Matt. xxiv, 14. After it has been preached as a witness to all nations, the next event is the end of this age or the coming of the Saviour.
Our beloved apostle Paul, attaches much importance to the preaching of the true gospel. Gal. i, 9. "As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel than that ye have received, let him be accursed." There is therefore a gospel which is imperative to preach, if we preach any, on pain of the curse of Jehovah at the appearing of Jesus Christ. And it must be apparent to every mind that any gospel which does not terminate with this age, or dispensation, must be another gospel not authorized in scripture. In this annunciation is a solemn warning to those who are engaged in advocating future probation, or any that may aid or abet therein.
There are other points in this strange, delusive theory that as much conflict with the teachings of the New Testament as light and darkness. God in his providence has allowed the holy apostle Paul, to state the condition of all the living wicked at the Second Advent; that none need be blinded but those who will not see. The light of a burning lamp dispels the surrounding darkness; so the light of truth and inspiration, dispels all darkness and cunningly devised fables. Then let us look at 2 Thess. ii. Here we shall learn something with regard to the destiny of a portion of the then living wicked. Verse 8. "Then shall the wicked be revealed (Papacy) whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his mouth, and destroy by the brightness of his coming." Also see the first chapter of the same epistle, verses 7, 8.—"And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, (that is, the heathen,) and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall be punished (with probation for a thousand years? not so, but) with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe in that day."
Here we have three classes which comprise all the living wicked on the earth at the Second Advent, or the close of the gospel age, viz: Catholics, Heathen, and those that have lived under the sound of the gospel, but have not obeyed its righteous requirements; for all the promises of God are in Christ Jesus, yea and amen, to every one that believeth. We cannot fail to see that then the time will have arrived, when "he that is unjust let him be unjust still; and he that is filthy let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Rev. xxii, 11, 12.
I thank the Lord for such plain testimony, and I would say to any honest brother or sister, who has been deceived by this siren song of peace and safety, be deceived no longer. No better opportunity to prepare for the coming of the Lord can ever be given; for it is plainly stated that the destinies of all men are forever sealed, for life or death, prior to the coming of the Lord Jesus. Then I beseech you, let not the blind infatuations of this cunningly devised fable draw your soul down to despair, by causing you, unwittingly, to neglect the needful preparation.—Nothing but a full consecration of all we have and are to God, together with obedience to all the commandments of God, and walking in all the ordinances of his house, blameless, will give us a safe and final passport to the opening glories of the new dispensation, which is just before us. Then instead of being troubled about a preparation for Old Jerusalem, which is in bondage with her children, let your minds be dwelling on the New Jerusalem, which is above, which is pure, and the mother of us all. A passport to which, you may read in Rev. xxii, 14.
I know that a great many are telling you to go to Old Jerusalem, to meet the Lord, and that it is necessary for you so to do. But I say to you with the authority of Jesus, believe them not. For wherever Jesus is there will his saints be gathered together; for he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Well, says one, won't they be caught away to Old Jerusalem, after all. Many think so. I think not; for the following scripture is in the way: St. Paul says: we that are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (or go before) them that sleep; (or are dead;) but shall be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and be caught up together with them in the air. Now let us see what farther light we have, in addition to this. Please examine Isa. xxvi, 20, and we shall learn where the saints go. "Come my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee; hide thyself as it were for a little moment (until the heathen are converted?—Ah! no, it don't read so; but) until the indignation be overpast."
I understand that we are here plainly taught that the saints have nothing to do in this sin-cursed earth, after being caught up, until sin and sinners are rooted out of it. Jesus has said, that in his Father's house are many mansions, which is without doubt a parallel to Isaiah's chambers. (Plural.) In the New Jerusalem, the saints, immortal, will be content to reign for one thousand years, while the wicked dead are shut up in the pit, as recorded in Isa. xxiv, 22, to await the final execution of the judgment written, which is the second death.
The day of the Lord hasteth greatly, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come. O, God prepare thy people for the closing scenes of time and probation, while the last notes of mercy are being heard, and grant that an abundant entrance may be administered unto us into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is my prayer.
E. R. SEAMAN.
Rochester, N. Y., June, 1853.
COMMUNICATIONS.
By Joseph Bates
From Bro. Bates.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I returned home the 12th inst., after an absence of about ten weeks, in which time I visited and labored in the following places: Boston, Lynn, Mass., Providence, R. I., Worcester, Springfield, Chicopee, Chester Factory, Mass., and Jawbuck, Conn. In Providence, R. I., we found that opposition to the truth had weakened the minds of some since our last visit there, while some others are progressing and rejoicing in the same.
Much opposition has been manifested in Springfield since the brethren decided to keep the Sabbath last Winter. They have been enabled to hold on to the strong arm of the Lord, and wax stronger and stronger. Some others are examining the subject, and doubtless will embrace it. They are calculating on the promised Conference in August, with many others in the region round about. In Chicopee, Jawbuck and Chester Factory, the interest is increasing.
May 11th we commenced a series of meetings in Ashfield, Mass., and continued laboring there, and in Hawley, over two Sabbaths. We found the church in Ashfield divided with respect to the time of commencing the Sabbath. Some advocated the commencing of the day in the morning, while others adhered to the Bible rule to commence all days in the week with the evening, or even, the twelfth hour of the day. The Lord answered prayer in blessing the sick, after confessing the Sabbath truth. This opened the way for another one of the same family to commence keeping the Sabbath. Praise the Lord. Nine willing, obedient disciples of the Lord were buried in baptism at the close of the meetings.
From Ashfield, we passed to Jamaica, Vt. In this rocky, mountainous, uncultivated section of Vermont, we spent several days, visiting and holding meetings with the scattered families who had embraced the message of the third angel, under the ministration of Brn. Wheeler and Day. They seemed truly glad to hear more about the divine law of God, and the glorious promises to those who obey it. Poor children, they were famishing for the truth in the last message of mercy. One precious youth found peace in believing. Four others, heads of families, decided to keep the Sabbath, while eight more admitted the truth, but did not fully take their stand at the time. Eleven also, were baptized into the death of the Lord Jesus, from henceforward to walk in newness of life.
From Jamaica we came to Fitchburg and Luninburg, June 2d. In the latter place we had a short but very interesting interview with Bro. and Sr. Heath, their children, and some friends. I had not seen this Bro. and Sr. since the Littleton, Mass. Camp Meeting, in 1842. I learned that they take the Review and are examining the Sabbath question. Before the Advent doctrine, he was a Methodist preacher. I hope yet to meet them under the banner of the third angel. He seems in sober earnest in search for all the truth. Our meetings in Fitchburg, Sabbath and First-day, were at Bro. and Sr. Pike's, who manifest a deep interest for their neighbors. A few admitted the truth. One Sister who seemed deeply convicted, said, I am going to consult my minister and know what he thinks about the seventh-day Sabbath.
June 6th, visited Lowell, and from thence to Nashua, N. H. In L. we found a few who were willing to listen to the last message of mercy. Extra exertions are being made in the two last named places, and vicinity, by a party of Adventists proclaiming what they call the true Midnight cry, with the ending of the days, and the coming of the Lord. This false excitement on time leads the mind directly from the true message which God has before the minds of his people, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord Jesus. How strange that Advent people, above all others, should be continually inventing something new to excite men's minds and draw them away from the only truth whereby the Lord can cleanse them from all sin, that they may be found in a saved state at the second coming of the Lord Jesus.31In Nashua we met with a hearty welcome from Bro. and Sr. Colburn, who are striving to keep all the commandments of God, and all the testimony of Jesus Christ. Amid all the opposition that exists in Nashua against the third angel's message, one young man had been induced to take the Review and examine it and read some of the publications on the Sabbath. He called himself an infidel. About this time he was much afflicted with his left hand. A few days before I saw him he had to have his hand amputated. He called on the Lord in his deep trial, and found relief and peace to his mind. After explaining the third angel's message, and about to leave him the last time, he acknowledged that he had received much light on the divine law, and said I am now determined to keep all of God's commandments from hence forward.—This is in accordance with the promise of God by the mouth of the prophet Isaiah, [see Chap. lvi, 1, 6, 7,] and harmonizes with the cleansing, or work of atonement. Lev. xvi, 29, 30.
June 11th and 12th, Sabbath and First-day, we enjoyed interesting seasons with our dear brethren in Boston. The Lord is strengthening and encouraging them, and they are showing their faith by their works. Their new place of meeting in West Castle street No. 25 is commodious and pleasant. Four were buried in baptism on First-day and were strengthened in the Lord.
Our dear brethren in Fairhaven, and Dartmouth are settled in all the commandments of the Lord, and are pressing their way toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
I sympathize with you in the loss of your dear brother, taken so suddenly from your midst. My prayer is that this bereavement may be sanctified to you and his dear Parents, brothers and sisters, and the household from whom he was removed, for good. From the statement you have given of his obedience to God in keeping all his commandments, you mourn not as those that have no hope. He only rests for a little while and will soon be called to take his place with the 144000 on the Mount Zion with Jesus.—The sister that is left with you must feel his loss most keenly, also your father and mother. I hope this sad trial will be sanctified to them in an especial manner, by leading them to embrace the third angel's message, and be fully prepared for their great and last change.
JOSEPH BATES.
Fairhaven, June 18th, 1853.
The Holy Jerusalem Descending
"And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God."—Rev. xxi, 10.
Laboring Among the Saints in Maine
By E. L. Barr
From Bro. Barr.
Dear Bro. White:—I came to this State about the first of May, in company with Bro. Wheeler, where we have been laboring ever since. We have held meetings at Portland, Bangor, Orrington, Bradford, Ornesville, Hartland and Canaan, where we decided to return immediately home, leaving other places to be visited by those servants soon expected here.
We have found the saints generally passing through severe trials, and in some instances it seemed as if the enemy had come in like a flood, with a determination to exterminate the saints. Our labors have not been in vain. The saints have been revived, and some few added to their numbers, of such, I trust, as shall be saved.
In order to finish the work the sooner here, we separated at Waterville, and Bro. Wheeler went to Wilton to spend the Sabbath and First-day, and I came to this place where I met with Bro. and Sr. Harmon, from Gorham, and with them and the rest of the saints have found it blessed to remember the Sabbath-day and keep it Holy.
On my way to this place I called at Bodoinham, where I found sister Flanders strong in the present truth, desiring to live by every word of God, and although she is confined to a sick bed, yet her confidence is unshaken in the promises of God; she therefore requests an interest in the prayers of the saints that her health may be restored, and she consecrated fully to God and his blessed cause. A short distance from Sr. Flanders, resides Sr. Tompson, who has been confined to a sick bed for many years, and is keeping the commandments of God, and wishes to be remembered, also, by the saints at the the throne of grace.
Dear brethren and sisters, will you not pray especially for these afflicted daughters of Abraham, separated as they are, far away from those of like precious faith, and wasting away under the withering hand of disease. May God have compassion upon them, increase their faith, and display his matchless power to preserve soul, body and spirit blameless to his glorious kingdom.
Let me say, in conclusion, delay not to put on the whole armor of God, that ye may stand against the wiles of the Devil. Trust in the Lord alone, and soon, very soon, our sufferings will forever cease.
Yours, hoping to be glad with exceeding joy when his Glory is revealed.